2011 Mermaid Parade
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Parades
Kids/Family
Jun 18, 2011
2:00pm
FREE
Official Site
Now celebrating its 28th anniversary, the Mermaid Parade has earned its salt as New York’s official start of the summer season, with no destination better for the kick-off than the one and only Coney.
Brooklyn’s longest-running art parade mixes a healthy dose of do-it-yourself creativity with old-fashioned civic pride. Named for the lovely New Yorkers who come to Coney Island baring golden skin in unique, scantily attired costumes, the Mermaid Parade is actually a tribute to the seaside resort’s long forgotten Mardi Gras (1903-1954). Today, it’s also the country’s largest art parade.
Besides the amusing floats, conversation-worthy antique cars and assortment of marching bands, the real draw of the Mermaid Parade is the amazing self-expression of each individual New Yorker and his or her unbelievable panache. After all, it’s not everyday that one dashes out the door in sequins and pasties, full-on body paint and glitter, or something that looks like it was made out of detritus from a shipwreck.
Although the parade doesn’t officially begin until 2PM, revelers typically head out in the morning for the best viewing spots. The route, which follows the same path each year, begins at West Twenty-first Street and Surf Avenue and heads east along West Tenth Street to the Boardwalk where it disbands.
This year’s King Neptune is Brooklyn native and Travel Channel actor Adam Richman with NYC TV’s Cat Greenleaf, hostess of Talk Stoop, as his queen. Look for participants donning the usual assortment of motley costumes as sea creatures, mermaids, mermen, and Coney freaks. The Mermaid Ball follows at 7PM at the New York Aquarium with live music, burlesque, synchronized swimming, magic, a sea lion show, and the cast of the 2011 Coney Island Circus Sideshow. Tickets are $25. Bring sunscreen and a wide-eyed sense of wonder.
After Party:
Saturday, June 18, 7–11:30PM
New York Aquarium
602 Surf Avenue (at West Eighth Street)
Coney Island
New York, NY 11224
See more photos on the Citiblog
Author: Joann Jovinelly
Coney Island
Brooklyn
Coney Island
Surf Ave from W. 5 to W.19 St to Boardwalk
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Map
All events and times are subject to change.
Kids/Family
Jun 18, 2011
2:00pm
FREE
Official Site
Now celebrating its 28th anniversary, the Mermaid Parade has earned its salt as New York’s official start of the summer season, with no destination better for the kick-off than the one and only Coney.
Brooklyn’s longest-running art parade mixes a healthy dose of do-it-yourself creativity with old-fashioned civic pride. Named for the lovely New Yorkers who come to Coney Island baring golden skin in unique, scantily attired costumes, the Mermaid Parade is actually a tribute to the seaside resort’s long forgotten Mardi Gras (1903-1954). Today, it’s also the country’s largest art parade.
Besides the amusing floats, conversation-worthy antique cars and assortment of marching bands, the real draw of the Mermaid Parade is the amazing self-expression of each individual New Yorker and his or her unbelievable panache. After all, it’s not everyday that one dashes out the door in sequins and pasties, full-on body paint and glitter, or something that looks like it was made out of detritus from a shipwreck.
Although the parade doesn’t officially begin until 2PM, revelers typically head out in the morning for the best viewing spots. The route, which follows the same path each year, begins at West Twenty-first Street and Surf Avenue and heads east along West Tenth Street to the Boardwalk where it disbands.
This year’s King Neptune is Brooklyn native and Travel Channel actor Adam Richman with NYC TV’s Cat Greenleaf, hostess of Talk Stoop, as his queen. Look for participants donning the usual assortment of motley costumes as sea creatures, mermaids, mermen, and Coney freaks. The Mermaid Ball follows at 7PM at the New York Aquarium with live music, burlesque, synchronized swimming, magic, a sea lion show, and the cast of the 2011 Coney Island Circus Sideshow. Tickets are $25. Bring sunscreen and a wide-eyed sense of wonder.
After Party:
Saturday, June 18, 7–11:30PM
New York Aquarium
602 Surf Avenue (at West Eighth Street)
Coney Island
New York, NY 11224
See more photos on the Citiblog
Author: Joann Jovinelly
Coney Island
Brooklyn
Coney Island
Surf Ave from W. 5 to W.19 St to Boardwalk
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Map
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All events and times are subject to change.